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SAN DIEGO (CBS 8) - San Diegans have picked a new mayor to serve out the remainder of Bob Filner's term, and he's already getting to work.

Republican City Councilman Kevin Faulconer easily defeated Democrat and fellow councilmember David Alvarez in Tuesday night's special election. Faulconer jumped out to an early lead and ended up winning office with 55 percent of the vote.

"I'm looking forward to working with David. I'm looking forward to working with all my colleagues on the Council. We've got a lot of good work to do," Faulconer said.

An exhausted Faulkner joined Dan Cohen and Nichelle Medina on the CBS News 8 This Morning Wedneday, but it's clear there's no time for rest.

"I'm going to be working on a transition team, making sure we bring in the best and the brightest and diverse San Diegans we can to help the effort, and I will be jumping in with two feet… very quick on the budget, that's our priority. It's where we're going to spend our dollars, in the neighborhoods," Faulconer said.

Alvarez will now return to the Council serving District 8. The 33-year-old Democrat issued a statement Wednesday:

"First of all, thank you to my volunteers and supporters from a across San Diego. We all share similar values, and have a vision for a San Diego that leaves no one behind. I will continue fighting for that vision… Congratulations to Kevin Faulconer. I look forward to working with him and all San Diegans to move our city forward."

"I think there's no one happier to see the election come to an end than this guy, I can go back to two jobs rather than three," Interim Mayor Todd Gloria said.

Gloria will now go back to the Council serving District 3, and he'll take back his position as council president. He pledges to make sure the progressive agenda he started as interim mayor will continue.

"We must do something about investing in infrastructure, we have to lead when it comes to global climate change and we will address income and equality in this city," he said.

Gloria supported Alvarez, and believes his loss is tied to this being an off-year special election. I asked him if he thinks Bob Filner being a Democrat also played a factor.

"No, I don't. I think Bob Filner was not a factor in this election. You didn't see him mentioned in ads or mailers. The fact of the matter is, this city has moved on beyond Bob Filner and the disaster he brought to this city," Gloria responded.

As for working with Faulconer, Gloria says he doesn't expect any problems. He's expected to officially hand the job over March 3.

The 2019 Super Bloom in Walker Canyon, which is attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors to the City of Lake Elsinore is causing significant traffic congestion on Interstate 15 and surrounding roadways.

The 2019 Super Bloom in Walker Canyon, which is attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors to the City of Lake Elsinore is causing significant traffic congestion on Interstate 15 and surrounding roadways.

People living in their vehicles has become a contentious issue with many residents expressing safety concerns, and on Wednesday, the Pacific Beach Town Council heard more of those concerns as it searches for ideas to fix the situation.

People living in their vehicles has become a contentious issue with many residents expressing safety concerns, and on Wednesday, the Pacific Beach Town Council heard more of those concerns as it searches for ideas to fix the situation.

We are getting our first look at new video of the two San Diego defendants accused in a nationwide college admissions scandal. News 8 cameras caught up with Toby MacFarlane at his home in Del Mar on Tuesday. On Wednesday, Elisabeth Kimmel was seen going into the downtown office building of her attorney, Greg Vega.

We are getting our first look at new video of the two San Diego defendants accused in a nationwide college admissions scandal. News 8 cameras caught up with Toby MacFarlane at his home in Del Mar on Tuesday. On Wednesday, Elisabeth Kimmel was seen going into the downtown office building of her attorney, Greg Vega.

Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to charge California water customers up to $10 per month to help clean up contaminated water in low-income and rural areas, but he will face resistance from some legislative Democrats hesitant to impose new taxes.

Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to charge California water customers up to $10 per month to help clean up contaminated water in low-income and rural areas, but he will face resistance from some legislative Democrats hesitant to impose new taxes.